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GS2 · Soft power

Global Engagement Scheme frames India’s cultural diplomacy

2 min readArt & CultureInternational Relations
Battle IAS current affairs title card: Global Engagement Scheme frames India's cultural diplomacy (GS2 · Soft power, 10 August 2026)
Battle Brief

The Ministry of Culture promotes India’s cultural relations through the Global Engagement Scheme, an umbrella scheme, the Culture Minister told Lok Sabha on 10 August 2026. It has four parts: the International Cultural Exchange Programme, Project Mausam, Brihattar Bharat and a scheme to safeguard intangible cultural heritage. India has Cultural Exchange Programmes with 98 countries.

Fact File

Date
10 Aug 2026, Lok Sabha reply
Scheme
Global Engagement Scheme (GES), Ministry of Culture
Components
ICEP, Project Mausam, Brihattar Bharat, intangible heritage scheme
CEPs
valid with 98 countries
Forums
BRICS, G20, SCO, BIMSTEC
Partner body
ICCR, under the Ministry of External Affairs
In the news

The Global Engagement Scheme: what happened?

Culture is a form of soft power. Festivals, exhibitions and exchanges build goodwill that helps diplomacy. The GES is how the Culture Ministry organises this work abroad.

  • ICEP runs Festivals of India, artist exchanges, CEPs and MoUs.
  • The scheme supports heritage conservation, documentation and capacity building.
  • ICCR runs Indian Cultural Centres abroad, festivals, exhibitions and Art Residencies.
  • ICCR also marks the International Day of Yoga abroad.
Back Story

What are Project Mausam and Brihattar Bharat?

  • Both are components of the GES on India’s cultural links with other lands.
  • The reply lists them as two of the scheme’s four parts.
Why examiners care

Why does the Global Engagement Scheme matter?

  • Soft power: Culture supports foreign policy goals.
  • Heritage: Funds conservation and documentation.
Exam Radar

What can Prelims ask on the Global Engagement Scheme?

  • Global Engagement Scheme: Ministry of Culture; four components incl. Project Mausam.
  • ICCR: autonomous body under MEA.
  • CEPs with 98 countries (2026).

How to use this in Mains

GS-II Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India

  1. As per PIB (2026-08-10): ministry of Culture promotes cultural relations through the Global Engagement Scheme, an umbrella for international cultural engagement.
  2. Soft power supports foreign policy.
Quotable data point

Ministry of Culture promotes cultural relations through the Global Engagement Scheme, an umbrella for international cultural engagement.

PIB: Culture: cultural diplomacy framework, 10 Aug 2026

Exam angle

UPSC

Prelims: ICCR.

Practice MCQs

Original practice questions (not PYQs).

Practice · UPSC

Project Mausam is a component of which scheme?

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB (Culture), 10 Aug 2026.

Quick questions

Questions students ask about this

What is the Global Engagement Scheme?

An umbrella scheme of the Ministry of Culture for international cultural engagement and cultural diplomacy.

What are its components?

The International Cultural Exchange Programme, Project Mausam, Brihattar Bharat and the scheme for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

With how many countries does India have Cultural Exchange Programmes?

98 countries.

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Official source: PIB: Culture: cultural diplomacy framework, 10 Aug 2026

facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending